Turkish Police Detain 113 at Istanbul’s Banned Pride Parade

Turkish police detained 113 people including protesters, activists and journalists at Istanbul's 21st Pride Parade on Sunday, which was banned like many other LGBT Pride month events across the country.

"After the elections, we saw that we were the first target in the balcony speech [President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's victory speech]. We do not accept this policy of hatred and denial. But here we are today. You couldn't deal with us, you will not," a joint press release of LGBT groups and organisers of the Pride Parade wrote.

LGBT community members and supporters hold rainbow-coloured flags and shout slogans during the baned Pride March in Istanbul, 25 June 2023.  Photo: EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

After his election victory in May, President Erdogan attacked LGBT groups and accused the opposition of being pro-LGBT, pledging a new constitution that will uphold "family values".

This year Istanbul's Pride Parade, organised in the city's Sisli district, aimed to reach the city's iconic Taksim Square. Several buildings on the route were also decorated with rainbow flags.

LGBT members and supporters hold rainbow-coloured flags and shout slogans during the banned Pride March in Istanbul, 25 June 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

However, as the event was banned by Istanbul's Governor, police blocked the streets and did not allow them to march.

As a result of the police intervention, 113 people were detained and taken to the Police Directorate.

Turkish riot police block a street during the banned Pride March in Istanbul, Turkey, 25 June 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

Police also prevented journalists from covering the parade by encircling them near the parade route and one journalist was also detained.

A similar ban also imposed on...